Travel to Brazil: Rio de Janeiro Tours

Why travel to Rio de Janeiro

This thriving metropolis, set against the tropical backdrop of Brazil’s beautiful and lush rainforest, hosts world-famous sight-seeing attractions that are sure to keep visitors fascinated. With vast and varied museums, gorgeous squares and parks, first-class beaches, and Brazilian icons such as the Christ Redeemer statue on Corcovado Hill, travelers flock to this lively city to soak up all it has to offer.

Locals call it the “Marvelous City” and once you visit Rio de Janeiro, you’ll be sure to do the same. Nestled within the tropical cliffs of the southeastern coast of Brazil, this cosmopolitan ex-capital is the second largest city in Brazil and is well-known for its annual Carnival celebrations, sexy samba music, and hotel-lined beaches such as the gorgeous Copacabana stretch.

The capital of the Portuguese Empire during the 1800s, today, this vivid and extremely dense city never sleeps, with restaurants, night clubs, and bars open at all hours to keep up with the lively nightlife. Day time in “Rio,” as locals call the city, is just as varied with excellent art galleries and museums showcasing contemporary and ancient Brazilian and international art in this city that considers itself the cultural center of the country.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro

Simply splendid views can be had atop the Sugarloaf Mountain, reached by cable car. From the 1,299 feet (396 meters) peak visitors can marvel at Rio, as well as the tropical vegetation, such as rare orchid species, that surrounds the hilltop. This makes it not only an attractive site to tourists but also for ecologists.

The crystalline shores of Ipanema Beach, immortalized in the 1960s bossa-nova song, “The Girl from Ipanema,” are a main attraction in Rio. If you stick around after dark, this sophisticated neighborhood offers some of the liveliest nightlife in all of Rio. Likewise, the coastal stretch known as Copacabana also hosts many modernized kiosks offering Brazilian drinks and delicacies, open-air restaurants, and bars – understandably making it a posh party destination.

Complementing the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle is the National Tijuca Forest Park, the world’s largest urban forest replanted by man, which covers an immense 19.88 square miles (32 sq. km). The protected natural wonder is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many of which are threatened by extinction and found only in the Atlantic Rainforest.

When to visit Rio de Janeiro

There is truly never a bad time to go to Rio de Janeiro, but some months are better than others. March to June tends to be a fantastic time to visit Brazil’s most famous city because this is when temperatures are at their most moderate, and the large summer vacationing groups have dissipated. Similarly, September and October are great because the conclusion of the rainy season results in lush greenery all around.

From December to March, daily rains may plague your Brazil holiday. And yet, it is in February that the world famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival takes place, a period of the wildest dancing and festivities preceding Lent that ultimately take over the entire city for weeks including the preparations and cleanup. Depending on your disposition towards crowds, partying, and being in the middle of all the action, going to Rio de Janeiro during Carnival can be the best or worst choice for your Brazil trip.

Travel Testimonials

We wanted to thank you for all your help in planning our amazing vacation to Rio and Argentina. All the bumps that came up along the way were handled smoothly by you and your team. We had the best time exploring that part of the world and seeing amazing sites! The arrangements you made for us in Rio to see shows and to see the sites were also fantastic.

Jessica and Angelo

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Firstly, I received good advising from the beginning. Then I was really looked after upon arrival and right up until departure. I really enjoyed the Corcovado, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and the "chicas bonitas". Obrigado Rio!

Rikesh Kerai, Middlesex, England

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The representative in Rio de Janeiro succinctly gave us specific do's and don'ts and we were completely safe during all of our free time as we freely walked, eat (never got sick) and shopped all over both day and night as the fashions in Rio are trend setting.

John Golden, CO, USA.

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Rio de Janeiro Hotels

JW Marriott Rio 5*

Avenida Atlantica 2600 , Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

One of the premier Copacabana Hotels in Rio de Janeiro, the excellent JW Marriott Rio exquisitely captures the enrapturing spirit of Rio de Janeiro. Guests will truly feel on top of the world as they soak up Rio’s magic from the hotel’s rooftop terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado from the swimming pool. Copacabana’s newest 5-star hotel, the JW Marriott Rio does not fall short of comforts with a Spa & Fitness Center, Mediterranean and Japanese gourmet restaurants, and a fully equipped business center. All 245 rooms are equally luxurious, elegantly furnished, and feature the latest modern amenities, including wireless internet, phone, work desk, 24h room service, newspaper delivery, and much more. Awarded as “Brazil’s Leading Hotel” by the World Travel Awards in 2009, and voted as one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay” by the Conde Nast Traveler, the JW Marriott has everything to offer for your utmost comfort and to make your stay in Rio an unforgettable experience.

Restaurant Gym Swimming Pool Room Service Laundry Service Parking Spa Internet Gift Shop

JW Marriott Rio Photos & Info »

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Excelsior Copacabana Hotel 4*

Avenida Atlantica 1800
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

A member of the Windsor chain, the very pleasant Excelsior sits on a wide corner offering excellent ocean views. Rooms either have a side view (superior) or a full ocean view (frentemar). All are elegantly furnished, spotless, and very well maintained. The best rooms are the deluxe suites that take up the entire corner and offer both side and full ocean views (luxo frentemar). The suites also come with spacious bathrooms, Jacuzzi tub, flat screen TV, and a king-size bed. The hotel also throws in free local calls, free parking, and an excellent breakfast buffet. The rooftop swimming pool and terrace are also a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring Rio’s many attractions.

Restaurant Room Service Gym Swimming Pool Laundry Service

Excelsior Copacabana Hotel Photos & Info »

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Martinique Copa Hotel 3*

Rua Sa Ferreira, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

The Martinique is the newest budget option of the Windsor chain, offering excellent services at great value. Located just around the corner from the Miramar, the hotel is only half a block off the Avenida Atlântica, within walking distance from Rio’s best shops, restaurants, and bars. The hotel comprises two buildings gutted and joined together, making for some mazelike hallways, and is brand new, offering top-notch and modern amenities. It also boasts a rooftop pool and sun deck.

Restaurant Room Service Laundry Service Swimming Pool Parking

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